3rd February, 2013
It was celebration galore among soccer loving Nigerians as the national team, Super Eagles defeated their arch rivals, the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Enugu went into a frenzy at the final blast of the whistle on Sunday as the Eagles posted a convincing 2-1 victory over the Ivorians to book a ticket to play Mali in the semi final on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the coal city was abuzz as people trooped out of commercial viewing centres in celebration mood, some of them chanting songs.
The streets also came alive as motorists honked their horns to celebrate the victory which came to most people as a surprise.
Commenting on the outcome of the match, Richard Agu, the Chairman of Enugu Sports Club, said it was a wonderful result for Nigeria.
“It is a credit to the courage of Coach Stephen Keshi for going to war with local players. Look at the winning goal by Sunday Mbah, a local footballer,’’ Agu said.
He advised the team to play the same way against Mali in the semi-finals.
Also reacting, Ernest Ufele, a former Rangers International player, said the match gave much hope that Mr. President would watch the Eagles lift the trophy.
“These are the Eagles of the ages with strength, intelligence and without fear,’’ he said.
Christian Chukwu, a former captain and also a former coach of the national team, said Nigeria had reached another level in South Africa.
“This shows that the Eagles are progressing in African football,’’ Chukwu said, but advised the technical crew to correct lapses noticed in the defence.
Edwin Ezeh, the Director of Information at the Enugu State Sports Council, said the team had returned to its winning ways to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
In Lagos, Friday Ekpo, an ex-international Eagles player, said the national team played well and deserved the victory.
“They played well against `the best team’ in the tournament and fought hard to win.
“Congrats to the Eagles and most especially the home-based players who were given a chance to prove themselves and they did just that.
“They lived up to expectations and were not intimidated by big names in the Cote d’Ivoire team. It was an exceptional victory, we are proud of them,’’ the former midfielder said.
Okey Emodi, the chief coach of Rangers, said the team did Nigeria proud.
“No one gave them a chance against the Ivorians but they proved their quality.
“I thank God for this victory, so let us move forward and approach the next game with caution,’’ he said.
In Port Harcourt, Cyril Wite, the Secretary of Sharks of Port Harcourt, said determination and discipline gave Nigeria the day.
“The team stands a chance of winning the trophy if it continues this way.’’
He added that Keshi and his team deserved commendation for the victory.
From Birnin Kebbi, NAN also reports that fans described the victorious Super Eagles as purposeful and that they appeared more determined to defeat the Ivorians.
The Kebbi State Director of Sports, Ladan Usman, said: “The Eagles played a fantastic game that has pleased many fans and raised hopes that the trophy may be on the way to the country.
“The Eagles played their best match in the tournament so far and there has been improvements in their performances, which ensured the victory.’’
Usman vowed to remain resolutely behind the Eagles, particularly because of Sunday’s outing.
Aliyu Muhammad, a business man, also praised the performance of the Eagles, saying: “They were more purposeful, an indication that the team will get far.
“I want the team handlers to shun media reports that have not given them chances of going beyond the quarter-finals.’’
Yahaya Sarki, a journalist, said the Eagles had shown true patriotism.
“I commend the technical crew for rejuvenating the playing pattern and raising the hopes of the fans and the country that they are capable of winning the trophy. We will continue to pray for more victories.’’